Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has been formally informed about the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

Makinde received the delegation from the family, including the former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes and Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland, Bayo Oyero; the younger brother of the deceased Olubadan, Osuolale Olakulehin and son of the deceased, Olasumbo Owolabi on Monday.

The governor, in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said the state would stand by the family at this period and also give the late Olubadan a befitting burial.

The PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Oba Olakulehin joined his ancestors at the age of 90.

The monarch died in the early hours of Monday.

Olakulehin died during the ongoing 90th birthday and first anniversary coronation celebrations.

He succeeded the late Oba Lekan Balogun.

The governor said, “We don’t always want them to go; we want them to stay with us. But God has designed our bodies for a certain period of time.

“I commiserate with the family and all of us. The government will definitely stay with the family and play whatever roles we are supposed to play, including giving Kabiyesi a befitting burial.

“I will ask all the members of the family to take heart. Coincidentally, today marks the 13th year since my father passed on. So, for the immediate family, I pray for strength.”

Earlier, the former CCII President-General, Oyero said, “We are here this morning with gratitude to God and to formally inform you of the passing away of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Frederick Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I, who passed away early this morning.

“We thank you very sincerely. In spite of the controversial situation we had before he ascended the throne, you still approved his ascension to the imperial throne of Ibadanland.

“We want to thank your government for all you have done, including a remarkable, historic coronation ceremony, which the government did for him.”